Kerala to start up with Autonomous colleges from next year

The start up of new autonomous colleges in Kerala was revealed on the inauguration of the zonal conference of vice chancellors of various universities in Kochi.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who inaugurated the conference and headed a speech later said, "Autonomous colleges will start functioning in the state from next year onwards."

He said, "Kerala is doing well in the primary education sector, but we are far behind in the higher education sector. Granting autonomous status to colleges is a part of the efforts initiated by the government, to rectify this backwardness. The government has decided to start one more technical university in the state."

K. Babu, Minister for Fisheries, Excise and Ports, had inaugurated the technical sessions at the conference. He said, "The higher education system of India is the third largest in the world, but the country lacks efficient teachers. The scarcity of qualified faculty is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately."

Further, the special edition of university news, the official newsletter of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), was also released by agriculture minister, KP Mohanan.

A spokesperson from the organisers said, "This is one of the fifth zonal meeting of the AIU and heads of 104 universities in the regions are expected to attend the Kochi conference, being hosted by the Kerala University of Health Sciences."

In this session, various issues regarding management of varsities in the region is also under the discussion list. Vice Chancellor's will look into the financial issues faced by each and every varsity.

Later, the suggestions will be put forward through the discussions and will be presented at the 88th Annual Meet, which is to be conducted at Osmania University, the source revealed.